Description
Hearty Mexican carne guisada brings robust beef stew magic straight from traditional kitchens, simmering with rich spices and tender meat. Comfortable home cooking welcomes you to savor slow-cooked deliciousness that connects families through generations of culinary love.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 lbs (900g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized chunks
Aromatics and Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)
Spices, Liquids, and Thickeners:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef by generously seasoning chunks with salt and black pepper for robust flavor enhancement.
- Create a deep, caramelized foundation by searing meat in hot vegetable oil, working in batches to ensure even browning without overcrowding the cooking vessel.
- Transform the pot’s flavor profile by sautéing aromatic onions, green bell peppers, and minced garlic until they become translucent and release their essential oils.
- Develop a rich sauce base by incorporating diced tomatoes and tomato paste, allowing them to soften and meld with the previously sautéed vegetables.
- Elevate the dish’s complexity by introducing a blend of warming spices – cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano – thoroughly coating the vegetable mixture.
- Reunite the beautifully browned meat with the spiced vegetable foundation, then introduce beef broth to create a deeply flavored braising liquid.
- Allow the stew to gently simmer, covered, for approximately two hours, periodically stirring to prevent scorching and ensure the beef becomes meltingly tender.
- Finalize the sauce’s consistency by creating a smooth flour slurry, which will naturally thicken the stew and provide a luxurious texture.
- Present the carne guisada garnished with fresh cilantro, accompanied by warm rice, traditional beans, or soft tortillas for a complete, comforting meal.
Notes
- Ensure meat is cut into uniform chunks for even cooking and tender results.
- Pat beef dry before seasoning to achieve better browning and deeper flavor development.
- Use cast iron or heavy-bottomed pot for consistent heat distribution and rich caramelization.
- Select chuck or round beef cuts with good marbling for maximum tenderness and rich taste.
- Lower heat if vegetables start burning during sautéing to prevent bitter undertones.
- Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent meat from sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Allow longer cooking time for tougher meat cuts to break down connective tissues.
- Create gluten-free version by substituting flour slurry with cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
- Enhance depth by adding a splash of red wine or dark beer during liquid addition.
- Refrigerate overnight to develop more intense flavors and allow fat to solidify for easier skimming.
- Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months, preserving authentic taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg